What Should I Do??? 3rd Shift Blues :(

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Hello All,

A huge thank you to those who took the time to respond it's appreciated.

Recently I applied for a full time job at a local healthcare system here in my city however, the job was posted twice and the hours change from 6am-6pm to 7p7am. I am totally an early bird and my work preference for work would definitely be first shift needless to say I have NEVER worked a 2nd or 3rd shift job before.

(Here is where I need your best advice) Even though the positions hours changed I still chose to interview for the position because I like the overall mission and values of the company's healthcare system however there were only maybe 2 things that I was hesitant or uneasy about during the interview that I wouldn't necessarily call "red flags" but it raised my attention.

1. Clarification of working hours the job was indeed for 3rd shift from 7pm-7am

2. During the interview I was told from a peer stand point that I would have to prove myself because the physicians would try to "test" me because "your the new kid on the block, once you prove yourself you'll be fine." I was also informed the physicians would yell and scream at me but I should not take it personal because they do it to everyone.

This comment concerned me due to the fact that I am not a KID I am a adult and I am not interested in working on a team that isn't going to respect my position, I proved myself capable when I successfully graduated from college twice maintaining high honors throughout my entire program and I gained every licensure that I have on my first attempt; also I just have never had a personality where I have ever took interest in proving myself to anyone. Also just because everyone gets yelled and screamed at by physicians doesn't mean that should be a pass for me to just accept this type of conduct.

3. The person I would train stated the staff doesn't like her? I honestly didn't feel this was an appropriate conversation. Why share this type of info with me? It was very discouraging and negative.

The job basically consist of computer work, clerical support, and assisting physicians and helping wherever I can.

I like that it's only 3 days a week so it's 3 on and 4 off I am so terrified that I won't be able to stay awake. If I work this job I can go back to further my education, but is it worth it? What would you do? I would love to hear about your 3 shift pros and cons and general advice about what I have shared. Thanks.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I would not let the hours stop me from the position if I wanted it. I started my career thinking I would hate and never survive night shift, and I've been doing it and loving it for 10 out of my 12+ years. You won't know if you like it until you do it.

Your other two statements about the physicians and the person training you would be more red flags to me than the hours. I would have to be pretty desperate to consider the job when I already wasn't feeling great about it in the interview.

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I would take the second two statements as the employer trying to be helpful, but missing the mark. Better to have this kind of experience than to get the position 'sugar-coated' only to find out the worst when you have made the commitment.

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I did nights for a year and while I'm definitely a day shifter, it wasn't the end of the world. Give it a shot. Some people prefer nights!

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